Of all my independently found books for my multicultural set, this was probably my favorite. The story celebrates Mexican/Mayan culture, and you see the protagonist exclaim that she even feels like a princess. It was nice to see a book celebrate a girl of color as the center of the story. The other aspect I loved was the fact it is bilingual, and text heavy. This means you can use it with older students who are learning either language, and it makes it an excellent instructional text.

The larger message was that your culture is part of you, and that you should be proud of your background, which is a lesson every child needs to hear. ( )

Summary: This book shows how traditions are kept in each family. Following the story, grandma comes over to visit bringing gifts. Mexican chocolate, musical instruments, and a blouse worn by Mayan or Aztec women. Teaching her granddaughter the traditions she taught her own daughter years before. Words in this book are in English and Spanish.

Personal Reaction: A great book, to show children how people made things like chocolate from growing seeds, it helps further explain the value of things when you can trade them for something else.

Extension Ideas: Teach students new vocabulary in a different language. Create a story of their own "What kind of traditions they think their family might have.